How To Get Directions

There I was, standing in the middle of a narrow, cobblestone street in Lisbon, the sun beating down on my back and the scent of roasted almonds from a nearby vendor filling the air. My phone had no signal, and the map app was frozen, leaving me stranded with a group of eager travelers who’d come all the way from Tokyo. I had no idea where to go next. It was then I realized how important it is to know how to get directions — not just in the modern, tech-savvy world. In the ancient, winding streets that still feel like they’ve been untouched by time.^[1]

Getting directions isn’t just about finding the next destination; it’s about knowing how to navigate when things go wrong — when apps fail, signals drop, or when the language barrier is too high to ask for help. I’ve been in situations where I had to rely on street signs, local landmarks. The kindness of strangers, and each experience has made me more confident in my ability to find my way. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or someone who’s been exploring the world for years, knowing how to get directions is a skill that can save your trip — and your sanity — more than once.^[2]

In this article, I’ll walk you through the practical, real-world techniques I’ve learned over years of travel. From using paper maps in places without Wi-Fi to asking for directions in languages I barely understand, I’ll share the tools, tips. Tricks that have helped me avoid confusion, save time, and even make unexpected discoveries along the way. How to get directions isn’t just about following a route — it’s about knowing how to adapt and stay calm when the unexpected happens.^[3]

Using Paper Maps in Remote Areas

As of September 2026, I’ve found that paper maps, especially those with topographic details and landmarks, are invaluable when digital navigation is unavailable. In the highlands of Peru, I once got lost in a village with no signal. A folded map of the region helped me reorient myself and find the trail back to the main road. Paper maps don’t require charging, they don’t rely on apps, and they can even be used to estimate distances and terrain difficulty.

I always carry a physical map of the region I’m visiting, and I make sure to mark my current location and intended destination with a pen. That way, I can see where I am in relation to the landscape and avoid getting completely turned around. In places like Tibet or the Scottish Highlands, where digital signals are scarce, a paper map is the only reliable tool you have.^[4]

One of the best parts of using paper maps is that they often provide a sense of scale and context that digital maps can’t. You can see how far you’ve traveled, how much elevation you’ve gained, and what landmarks you might pass along the way. It’s a simple but effective way to stay on track, even when the world around you feels unfamiliar.

Part of our Scenic drives food stops guide.

The Power of Asking Locals for Directions

I’ve found that people are almost always willing to help, especially if you approach them politely and with a clear, simple question. In my experience, locals in countries like Morocco, Thailand, and Mexico are incredibly helpful, often offering additional tips and even pointing you in the right direction without being asked. Sometimes, they’ll even walk with you a short distance if they’re nearby.

When I first traveled to Istanbul, I had to ask for directions to the Grand Bazaar. The shopkeeper not only pointed me in the right direction but gave me a map of the area and told me which streets to avoid. That kind of generosity isn’t common everywhere, but it’s enough to make you grateful for the help. Even in places where English isn’t widely spoken, people can often understand enough of it to help you out.

If you’re not confident in your language skills, use simple gestures, like pointing in the direction you want to go or showing a photo from your phone. People often respond better to visual cues than to spoken questions, especially when you’re in a hurry or the language barrier is high.

When in doubt, ask someone — they might just be the key to finding your way.

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Using GPS Apps on Your Phone

GPS apps are incredibly useful for finding your way, especially in cities with complex street systems. I rely on them almost every time I travel, and they’ve never failed me in urban environments. They provide turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and even street view options to help you confirm your route.

However, I’ve also learned that GPS apps can be unreliable in certain situations. In places with poor signal strength, like mountainous regions or dense forests, they may not provide accurate directions. I’ve had my phone lose signal multiple times in the Swiss Alps, leaving me to rely on a paper map for the rest of my journey.

To make GPS navigation more reliable, I always download offline maps in advance. That way, even if I lose signal, I still have the ability to see my route and track my progress. It’s a small but important step that can save you from getting lost in the middle of nowhere.

“There I was, standing in the middle of a narrow, cobblestone street in Lisbon, the sun beating down on my back and the scent of…”— Prettyroads editors

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Following Street Signs and Landmarks

I’ve learned that street signs are often the most reliable form of navigation, especially in places where you can’t ask for directions. In countries like Germany or Japan, street signs are clearly labeled with directions and distances, making it easy to follow the right path. Even in places where signs aren’t as detailed, landmarks like churches, hotels, and parks can help you stay on track.

I’ve used street signs to find my way through cities like Prague and Budapest, where the streets can be confusing and the names of buildings often don’t match up with what’s on the map. I’ve also relied on landmarks like train stations, supermarkets, and churches to guide me to the right area. Sometimes, a simple landmark can be the difference between finding your destination and ending up in the wrong part of town.

One of the most useful things I’ve learned is to look for street signs that indicate distances. In many European cities, signs show how many kilometers or meters you are from your destination, which is incredibly helpful when you’re trying to estimate how far you have to walk.

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Using Public Transportation to Get Directions

In many cities, public transportation systems like subways, buses, and trams have clear signage and maps that can help you navigate even if you don’t have a phone. I’ve used subway maps in cities like Paris and Seoul to find my way around without relying on my phone’s GPS, and it’s been surprisingly effective.

Subway stations often have route maps and digital screens that show the next trains and their destinations. I’ve also found that asking station staff for help is usually a good idea, especially if you’re not sure which platform to take. They’re often more than happy to point you in the right direction.

In places with complex public transportation systems, like London or Moscow, using the official transportation maps can be a more accurate way to navigate than relying on a phone app. These maps often provide more detailed information about routes and transfers, which can be invaluable when you’re trying to get to a specific destination quickly.

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Using Language-Specific Navigation Tools

In many countries, local navigation apps or tools are better suited to the specific street systems and languages used in the region. For example, I’ve found that using local apps like Moovit in Tel Aviv or Here WeGo in Scandinavia provides more accurate and detailed information than global apps like Google Maps.

These apps often include real-time updates about public transportation, road closures, and even local events that might affect your route. I’ve also noticed that local apps sometimes provide more detailed directions, like which side of the road you should be on or how far the next turn is from your current location.

In places where the local language is very different from English, using a local navigation app can be a huge advantage. It often provides directions in the local language, which can be more accurate and easier to follow, especially if you’re not fluent in English.

Local apps often know the streets better than global ones — use them when you can.

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Using a Compass and the Sun to Navigate

I’ve learned that in remote areas with no phone signal or maps, using a compass and the position of the sun can be a life-saving tool. I once got lost in the mountains of New Zealand and had to rely on a compass and the sun’s position to find my way back to the trailhead. It was a humbling but necessary lesson in survival navigation.

The sun is a natural compass — it rises in the east and sets in the west. Even on a cloudy day, the sun’s position can help you determine your direction. If you’re in a place where there are no visible landmarks, using a compass can help you maintain a consistent heading and avoid getting lost.

I always carry a small, lightweight compass with me on long hikes, especially in remote areas. It’s a simple but invaluable tool that can help you stay on track even when you can’t rely on digital navigation. If you’re not familiar with using a compass, take some time to learn the basics before heading into the wilderness.

How To Get Directions